Saltdean Lido is the country’s only Grade II* listed lido situated by the sea.  The Lido was built in 1937 and the site has a very interesting history. It was used as a training ground in World War II and hosted church services before Saltdean had a church.

In 2010, a group of local residents formed Save Saltdean Lido with a vision to bring the site back into use as an all year round community and tourist destination. They set up the CIC and have worked so hard to secure funding for the project including £2.3 million from the Coastal Communities Fund, £440,000 from Social Investment Business, £50,000 People’s Millions Winner, £546,000 from the Heritage Lottery Funding stage 1 and £4.2 million from the Heritage Lottery Stage 2 which is to be confirmed subject to the next stage bid submission. The CIC have also raised £100,000 from their own fundraising efforts.

I was pleased to welcome the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, then Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to the Saltdean Lido last year. The Secretary of State met with myself, Rebecca Crook and Deryck Chester from the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC) to find out about how the project is progressing and was also given a tour of the building including a visit to the 1930’s plant room.
 
The renovation project has been split into two phases.  Phase 1 due to be completed by Spring 2017 will see the main swimming pool and children's pool re-open to the general public. It will feature heated water (the first time since the original pool closed in 1940) and the pool has been returned back into 40m in length.  Phase 2 (subject to funding) will see the main building restored back to its former glory with a cafe/restaurant/events space, community spaces and library (subject to funding from the council).  It is anticipated if funding is secured Spring 2017 that the building will re-open by 2020.

I have been working together with the CIC group for many years and would like to pay tribute to all their effort and dedication in trying to bring the Lido back into use once again. Despite all the money raised, the CIC do still need more funding. I will be working together with the CIC to do all I can to help to make the Saltdean Lido a facility for local people and tourists to enjoy once more.